Florida § 985.15 - Filing decisions.
Full text of Florida Florida Statutes § 985.15 — Filing decisions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 985.15. Filing decisions.
(1) The state attorney may in all cases take action independent of the action or lack of action of the juvenile probation officer and shall determine the action that is in the best interest of the public and the child. If the child meets the criteria requiring prosecution as an adult under s. 985.556, the state attorney shall request the court to transfer and certify the child for prosecution as an adult or shall provide written reasons to the court for not making such a request. In all other cases, the state attorney may: (a) File a petition for dependency; (b) File a petition under chapter 984; (c) File a petition for delinquency; (d) File a petition for delinquency with a motion to transfer and certify the child for prosecution as an adult; (e) File an information under s. 985.557; (f) Refer the case to a grand jury; (g) Refer the child to a diversionary, pretrial intervention, arbitration, or mediation program, or to some other treatment or care program if such program commitment is voluntarily accepted by the child or the child’s parents or legal guardian; or (h) Decline to file. (2) In cases in which a delinquency report, affidavit, or complaint is filed by a law enforcement agency and the state attorney determines not to file a petition, the state attorney shall advise the clerk of the circuit court in writing that no petition will be filed thereon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida § 985.15
What does Florida Statutes § 985.15 cover?
Section 985.15 ("Filing decisions.") is part of the Florida Statutes, the codified statutory law of Florida. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Florida § 985.15?
A common citation format is "Florida Statutes § 985.15" (Florida). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Florida law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Florida official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Florida attorney.
How does Florida § 985.15 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Florida can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Florida.